Health Protection Agency (HPA) has stated that the risk of a monkeypox outbreak in the Maldives is low.

HPA's statement comes at a time while several countries have been reporting of confirmed cases of monkeypox. A statement by the agency confirmed that neither Maldives nor any of the neighboring countries have reported cases of monkeypox as of May 21st. It further added that the disease is spread through prolonged contact with an infected person, hence the risk of an outbreak in the Maldives is low.

However, the agency did note the likeliness of the disease being found in the Maldives and recommended taking preventive measures.

As such they have appealed to frequent hand washing and wearing of masks to prevent monkeypox, and not to be in close contact of others if any symptoms are present.

They noted that symptoms such as fever, headaches and rashes that turn into blisters should be immediately followed up by a doctor's visit.

The agency further added that they are monitoring the spread of the disease and assessing the risks, which is normal for other unusual outbreaks like this. As such they are informing health authorities regarding the disease, and making necessary arrangements for treatments and testing as well as compiling a standard operating procedure for it.